Chapter 296 The Finale

Chapter 296 The Finale

Ivan's hands jerked on the steering wheel when he heard William's words, nearly swerving the car.

"Mr. Sterling, did you say you want to go to Stellarcity?" he repeated, shock evident in his voice.

"Yes," William confirmed.

Upon hearing William's definitive answer, Ivan felt a surge of excitement.

William was finally going to look for Anna. God knew how much he had suffered these years. Had the long wait finally paid off? The clouds were clearing at last?

Ivan didn't know what William had heard from Penelope's lips, but it must have been something significant. William was finally moving forward, and Ivan couldn't help but feel happy for his employer.

"Don't worry, Mr. Sterling. I'll make the arrangements immediately," Ivan assured him.

Ivan worked quickly. Within an hour, they were boarding the private jet.

Throughout the flight, William kept examining his reflection in a pocket mirror. His appearance hadn't changed much, though a few strands of silver now threaded through his hair at the temples. With a touch of insecurity, he asked, "Ivan, do I look much older now?"

Ivan felt a lump in his throat. Since Anna's departure, William had buried himself in work without a moment's rest. He wasn't aging—he was exhausted.

"You're not old, Mr. Sterling. You're just tired. A little rest will do you good."

William set the mirror down with a quiet sigh. He could only hope Anna wouldn't find him disappointing.

The thought of seeing Anna soon made his heart race. He pressed his hand against his chest, feeling it swell with anticipation, threatening to burst with emotion.

Though William had never deliberately sought information about Anna's whereabouts, news of her had constantly reached his ears anyway. He knew she'd gone to Stellarcity. He knew her AG brand had grown tremendously, establishing divisions worldwide. He was aware that the brand had successfully signed dozens of celebrities as ambassadors, showcasing it to the entire world.

When he'd first heard this news, his pride had overshadowed any bitterness. That was his Anna—a woman who refused to surrender. He'd always known that even without anyone's support, Anna would stand tall at the pinnacle of the world on her own.

But after that pride came the soul-deep ache of longing. A yearning he dared not touch or acknowledge, fearing that one wrong move would plunge him into an abyss. 

These past two years, his apparent coldness and emotional distance had been a form of self-preservation. He feared that if he allowed himself to feel, he would go mad with desire, would throw caution to the wind and search for Anna without restraint.

But all that was behind him now. His Anna—he was finally going to see her!

After landing, they transferred to a car. They drove for an entire day before stopping near a countryside estate on the outskirts of Stellarcity.

Ivan opened the car door, and William carefully stepped out, leaning on his dual crutches. Looking up, he saw the autumn countryside bathed in golden light. Under its dazzling glow, several children were playing and frolicking.

"Mr. Sterling, we've confirmed that Ms. Rice is currently staying at this location," Ivan reported.

Just as he was about to propel his wheelchair forward, a small ball rolled to his feet.

William bent down to pick it up just as a little boy, about four or five years old, came running over.

The child extended his hand and said, "That's my ball. Can I have it back?"

William handed it over. "Here you go."

The boy took the ball but didn't immediately leave. Instead, he tilted his head, his big eyes studying William intently.

"Are you my daddy?" the boy asked suddenly.

"What?"

William froze in place, staring at the child in shock. "What did you say?"

"You're my daddy!" the little boy insisted.

William was stunned by the child's words. He stumbled over his response. "Why would you think that?"

The little boy struggled to pull a creased photograph from his pocket and handed it to William.

"I carry your picture with me every day. I recognized you as my daddy right away."

Taking the photograph, William finally couldn't hold back the tears that welled in his eyes. The image showed himself, seated in his wheelchair.

He shifted his gaze back to the child, fighting the urge to break down completely. "Where is your mother?"

"Over there."

Following the direction of the boy's pointing finger, William saw a graceful figure standing at the entrance to the estate.

William's eyes finally overflowed with tears.

Anna. That was his Anna!

(The End)